Claire raises UGC fear in Parliament

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I have raised concerns about underground coal gasification to the Energy Minister during General Questions in Parliament after Cluff Natural Resources brought forward proposals to extract coal beneath the Firth of Forth. 

I asked Fergus Ewing if he or the Scottish Government had met with the organisation owned by Algy Cluff and what matters were discussed, I followed on by raising concerns over the contamination of rising mining water if Cluff Natural Resources were to proceed with their licenses in Fife.

I also asked if the Minister was confident that there are significant and robust safeguards currently in place within the regulatory regime to ensure that the risk of contamination is minimised. Continue reading →

Claire hosts Microchipping debate

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The other week in Parliament I held a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the issue of compulsory microchipping for dogs after a recent poll from YouGov and Dogs trust found that 82% of Scottish adults agree with it’s introduction.

Whilst the vast majority of dog owners are responsible in their duties, we all see the effects of irresponsible dog ownership within our community, from dog fouling, strays or noise pollution. It is important that we instill a responsible approach to ownership to help address these issues. Continue reading →

Wemyss Caves future raised in Parliament

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Last week in Parliament I raised the future of Wemyss Caves during a debate on Scotland’s Historic Environment. During my speech I highlighted the challenges facing the caves, including coastal erosion, whilst praising the work of the Save Wemyss Caves Society. 

These caves should be recognised as being of national importance. The story that they tell enriches the history of Fife’s coast and the communities that settled and traded there. These carvings can also connect modern generations to history in a way that textbooks can’t and for that reason it is important that they aren’t lost to the local area. Continue reading →

Baker’s Delight

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I recently visited Stuart’s of Buckhaven bakery to experience first hand the expertise that saw the bakery win a special award at the 2013 Baker of the Year awards. The 2013 awards also saw awards for Bayne’s Bakeries and GH Barnett of Cellardyke, with Dunfermline based Stephens taking home the 2013 Baker of the Year award.

I was delighted to see Fife bakeries doing so well at the 2013 Baker of the Year awards and I already celebrated the success of the Fife bakeries in Parliament through the lodging of a Parliamentary motion – allowing fellow MSPs to show their support.

Fife Alcohol Support Service

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Yesterday I met with Fife Alcohol Support Service (FASS) at their offices in Kirkcaldy to discuss the work they carry out throughout the Kingdom in offering free and confidential advice and counselling for those who either have, or are affected by those with, alcohol problems.

Alcohol related problems can strike anyone regardless of age, sex, or social status. It is therefore important that there are organisations such as Fife Alcohol Support Service available to offer free and confidential advice.

Claire gets a free Diabetes test with Asda

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I recently visited Asda in Kirkcaldy to take part in their free diabetes tests that they are offering shoppers in their pharmacies throughout Scotland. The offer allows customers to undertake a free diabetes screening test whilst doing their weekly shop, without having to make a prior appointment.

With the pharmacies being open seven days a week, including bank holidays, and with late opening hours Monday to Saturday it is hoped that it will encourage shoppers to take a test and reduce the number of people who are suffering with undiagnosed diabetes in Scotland.

Continue reading →

Claire meets Citizens Advice over payday loans

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I recently met with the Citizens Advice Service Scotland in my office in Kirkcaldy to discuss the work they are undertaking across the Kingdom, particularly with regards to the rise of payday lenders. 

The meeting focused on the ‘Continuous Payment Authority’ which can be included in many payday loan agreements and provides the lender authorisation to take money from the customers’ bank account without having to give prior notice. Continue reading →

Pledge to End Blacklisting

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Before recess I signed up to the campaign to end blacklisting throughout Scotland, particularly in the construction trade. The campaign from Unite the Union, calls for an end to what it describes as ‘arguably the worst human rights abuse against workers since the war’.

Blacklisting is the termination of workers employment for issues that are not directly related to their performance. Once sacked these names are added to a central list for potential employers to check against.

Award Winning Bakers

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Recently in Parliament I raised the success of Fife’s Bakers at the 2013 Baker of the Year awards. I lodged a parliamentary motion that has since picked up the support of MSPs from across the major parties. A full list of who has supported and the motion itself can be found on my parliament work page. 

The 2013 Baker of the Year awards was a great success for bakers from across Fife as many left  with a host of awards and commendations highlighting the quality and success of the industry in the Kingdom. Continue reading →